John Thompson Piano Method Course Review - Modern | Adult | Easiest

[@aliceho4560]

My piano teacher started me off with the J. Thompson those little 4 books for kids and worked for me and I start learning piano at age 51 2011

[@janeheule7199]

Thank you so much....you gave me much information I was looking for. I love Thompson and classical but as you said children today don't practice like we used to. Their lives are much more fast paced and unfortunately that also slows down their progress in playing. Thanks again!!

[@smtiquia1]

This is a nice review of JT method books. This was my first piano method book as well, way back in 1978. I got as far as the third grade book before my teacher moved me out of the method books altogether and into other repertoire. I credit this method with helping me master key signatures quickly. Interestingly, I never noticed the overabundance of finger numbers until I read about it several years ago. Have you noticed excessive finger numbers in the adult version? I am curious.

[@SmallLeek-xg4cv]

I think yes, my teacher have to blacken those fingering. That's a problem of many books too

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I watched another video when you discussed the Schaum and Thompson books. I found the first two Thompson volumes but in French, so I bought them. And I started at the beginning. I had already used Faber (British version) and La Méthode Rose (French and British). I breezed through the first two parts in Volume One, but found that I could play with much more musicality. My music teacher noticed the difference after one week. I'd really like to thank you for your advice. I'll have to visit your clothing shop soon.

[@mozartrn1]

Thank you so much for this review. I've been teaching for approximately 2 years and don't have the insight you have. Always looking for the advice of seasoned teachers!

[@LookSee-l8w]

Thank you for your video pieces.

[@jenniferbeck6179]

I love the John Thompson books as well as Michael Aaron. They've been around so long because they work and work well. I'm always going back to them for reference.

[@JLMABIO]

Would you teach the adult edition of John Thompson’s books to a child?

[@jenniferbeck6179]

@@JLMABIO No. I think this method would be harder for a child to understand.

[@JLMABIO]

@@jenniferbeck6179 thank you. Couldn’t the adult teaching the Thompson Adult Course books still make it understandable since in the end it’s the same material being taught in the Modern and the Adult Courses, isn’t it?

[@jenniferbeck6179]

@Fleischman it would depend on the cold. An older child, yes. To a younger child, I think it would be complex. But you could always try and see how they do.

[@profsjp]

Fascinating, informative review. Have had the JT books going back to the 1960s 🌝. Super the way you’ve put them into context.

[@lalrosiamalc]

How can I get these books.i need it all.

[@ambercavanagh2768]

Thank you for the information. When do children start to read the notes in the John Thompson Modern Course. Is it in the Grade 1 book?

[@krumpetina178]

Thanks for such a thorough review. I had JT as a child of 10, and now 55 years later, this is the method i would choose. having been through alfreds adult to 3, JT-2 is still much more difficult. I can't find any teacher who wants to use them anymore though. Sadly, i found one online class, which stops midway through grade 2, and that's it.

[@pianotips2623]

Standards have dropped a lot in the past 50 years and the fast paced old school books are not popular anymore. I think it's mostly because everybody wants to learn alone without a teacher and the old books are very hard to learn from without a teacher.

[@JLMABIO]

@krumpetina, Would you teach the adult edition of John Thompson’s books to a 7-yr-old who can already read music in both bass and treble clefs? Thank you.

[@krumpetina178]

@@JLMABIO i would. start with grade 1

[@JLMABIO]

@@krumpetina178 Thank you. Since there’s a “full stop” after “I would”, can you please clarify? Did you mean you would use Grade 1 of the Modern Piano Course, or Book 1 of the Adult Piano Course?

[@tronlady1]

I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying? You’re saying JT is difficult and then you’re saying it’s a shame people don’t use them anymore? Surely people are not going to use something that is more difficult? Please could you clarify why you still want to use them?

[@Genevieve8002]

Nice video. I’m an adult and I started learning piano about 25 days ago. Including a trial lesson, I’ve now had 3 lessons with my piano tutor. We have been working through the Easiest Piano course by John Thompson , (and also Me and My Piano by Waterman). Though aimed at children, I have found it very useful for introducing fundamental concepts. Had no idea that there were John Thompson books in an adult series. We’ll be moving onto the Piano Time series next I think. Thank you.

[@pianotips2623]

Yes, piano is piano no matter what age we are. But those books are very slow in pace, that's the main difference.

[@Genevieve8002]

@@pianotips2623 It’s a steep learning curve, so for now I’m happy with the slower pace. I also supplement what I learn from my tutor with content on KZbin. So altogether, I happy with the pace. ☺️🎹✨

[@JLMABIO]

@@pianotips2623, Would you teach the adult edition of John Thompson’s books to a 7-yr-old child who can already read music well in both bass and treble cleves? Thank you.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I'm back watching this after one year and I faithfully played through Vol. 1 twice. For some reason, I didn't practice Vol. 2, but that has changed this week. I've been playing two part Bach Chorales and Burgmller up to about the 10th song. I'm transposing them into other keys, so it's taking me longer. But it really helps for music theory.

[@langleygratuito620]

Thanks so much for this review. I am using the JT to guide my piano development, and this is really useful in situating the progression of the books across other methods.

[@toumajpazoki2848]

Any suggestions about John w schaum's books ?

[@geraldgleeson4191]

Thanks Stephan, very helpful, Very much looking forward to your video comparing US and European methods.

[@villemache]

Hello, great explanation on those JT books. Completed book8 of kid JT method with my son. I found progression fabulous along those 5Y. But I dont know which book to continue progression now. We are working with Hanon on the side. Any advice?

[@belindadrake5487]

Hi there. I teach from JTS books, & l’ve found them as you said, the best from the ‘’old days’. Yes, they are …. 🤔.. l’ve never seen the adult books. I like ‘insanely harder & faster’ FOR MYSELF. I really like to challenge myself. ( or am l into torture?). Thank you for the review on JTS books. Have a good one. ( l like to practice too!!!). 🎹😳😁🥳

[@mozartrn1]

Thank you for this information. I'm looking to relaunch my music studio and enlarging the teaching library is essential.

[@anteb.k.composer1837]

I have a piano book of my own, not yet published. Would you be interested in looking into it? It is a combination of Bartok's Microcosmos method and old examples of little pieces like Schumann's and Tchaikovsky's Albums for the Young. It is not meant to be worked on alone but with other piano books because in 72 pieces it covers the technical abilities a piano beginner is supposed to get by the time he/she plays for 10 years.

[@Premierblues]

I learned DO RE MI keys in Piano, I am trying to learn to ABC in piano, I find it hard to self-teach myself

[@tiaelisha2366]

Hey :) I can’t afford piano lessons but I would love to play. If I were to teach myself which books would you recommend me buying? I’ve seen your videos about the Alfred , Faber, bastien and John Thompson method books but I’m unsure as to which one I should buy.

[@pianotips2623]

Alfred or Faber. Thompson is too hard alone.

[@stevenwarner9156]

Thanks a lot for the review on these; might pick one up for additional material alongside Faber Piano Adventures. By the way, John rhymes with "on" not "own"; your pronunciation here is like the female name "Joan". I fully understand the feeling, though! I make far more mistakes in Norway with my Norwegian.

[@charleslaine]

I have a very particular question. In this video you show the first grade book and the artwork looks different from my version. It also says "New Revised Edition" at the top of the front cover. Do any of the other books day that, or is it just the first book to be a "revised edition"?

[@DivineSource444]

QUESTION: (from a fellow piano teacher) How many of the "Easiest Piano Course" books (for children) do you have to go through in order to be ready for Level 1 Piano Adventures? 3 books? 4? Kind thanks!

[@cubertofu]

Hi, I purchased part 2 and 3 of the easiest piano course, I'm waiting for it to arrive. After completing those courses, should i go to the Johm Thompson first grade or can i try other books like Faber's Adult piano adventures?

[@jimmyponds5504]

Thank you for such a good presentation. I was not aware of the John Thompson Piano for Adults. Had I known such, I might not have purchased the five levels! Although I am not a music/piano teacher, I have quite the collection of methods books. NOW to order the adult version (and more)!! ha

[@jimmyponds5504]

An add-on question: I checked the Amazon source for some of the books you listed. I noticed that the cost is in pounds. I have never paid in pounds, so if I were to order something from your list, does Amazon convert the cost(s) into U. S. dollars? I hope I have asked the question in the proper way and have not confused you. Thanks!

[@pianotips2623]

I added links to the UK Amazon store. If you are in the US, best is to order from the US website. I will try to link both US and UK in the future. Thanks for the tip.

[@jimmyponds5504]

@@pianotips2623 Thanks! I want to "help" you as much as possible through purchases.

[@pianotips2623]

Thanks, that's appreciated!

[@toumajpazoki2848]

Very good review about the books. I'm playing violin and I'm familiar with music theories. I appreciate if you suggest me a book for self study. I tried some of these books but I think they are realy rudimentary at the first grades. But I don't want to miss anything by starting from the higher grades. Lower grades, however, are really boring.

[@TheBmontalto]

Very interesting review, thanks! I will buy the complete collection of books from book 1 to book 5 to supplement my Alfred's adult piano course collection. Unless you've already done so, do you think you could make an in depth review of the Alfred's masterwork classics collection from book 1 to book 8? I have a proposal for you that would tremendously hello us adult self learners... It would be fantastic if you could play every piece from the books you review! A lot of work considering your epic collection of piano books, but it would be of great help. You could make a playlist for every book. Thanks! I'm subscribed to your channel 🙂

[@cubertofu]

Hi, for Johm Thompson's easiest piano courses part 2 page 37 The Giant Steps, may I know what the broken line connecting the Treble and Bass clef is used for? or what it's called?

[@nellekeknarr5404]

Weren't these updated recently (2015)? I was curious what changes were made, but can't find that info. Just wondered if they added any more contemporary pieces (written in the last 60 years) or added more chord info.

[@tamaralittlewood5262]

Do the piano solo series come with CD's?

[@vivianfarren]

Can you do one on John W. Schaum piano course series?

[@pianotips2623]

I will

[@minggangyu5543]

What would be a good book to transition to after level 4 of Thompson's easiest piano course?

[@topscoremusicacademy]

Great video! Does anybody happen to know if these books use 'quarter note' terminologies or 'crotchet terminologies'?

[@pianotips2623]

It depends where tou buy them. I have the easiest British version, and that uses crotchets. I assume the US versions all use quarter note.

[@belindadrake5487]

These John Thompsons books l’ve had for yonx. I found them brilliant; even as a 7th grade student. Love them. Especially if you’re serious. I find l go back to them when l want too. Highly recommended. Most of your books you’ve got, l have too!! HANON too of course! A lot of teachers for some reason don’t like HANON. I’ve found that mainly they think there’re too hard. Love hard work & theory. Sometimes l feel ALONE!! BEETHOVEN IS MY MASTER; l ADORE HIM. (Classical, jazz, rock & blues as well; but l find guitar easier 😱! Years of playing. Love your reviews. Thank you. The harder the better; there’s something wrong with me!!! 😆 l taught guitar ( rock!) for years. Piano is for me, only. My First instrument. Forever! 🎹👊🏾🤭🎸😉

[@pianotips2623]

I think some teachers avoid Hanon because it is too mechanic and doesn't have musical value. Also, if practiced without proper guidance, they can be harmful. But so can any other exercise in my view.

[@JLMABIO]

@Belinda Drake, Would you teach the adult edition of John Thompson’s books to a 7-yr-old who can already read music in both bass and treble clefs? Thank you.

[@belindadrake5487]

@@JLMABIO Hello! Being PERFECTLY HONEST, l’m not up on the 2 (?) ‘adult books’ of Thompson - l hadn’t seen any in Australia!!! I think it’s good to pick as many brains as possible, different teachers have a different ways of explaining things. ( l had a ‘main teacher for 8 years, & would go grab a lesson from someone different just to ‘find out’). As long as the student is learning & happy. ( again depending on the child). Thank you for asking me about this. 😁 Others might have different viewpoints of course. Hard to say without seeing the books, which l NO DOUBT will get now!! ( ask me again in a about 3 weeks when they get here!! 😆) Thanks for that too my Friend. 😃 Would love to hear this 7 year old! ❤️🎹👍🏽

[@belindadrake5487]

@@pianotips2623 Oh, l concur how ‘laborious’ HANON can be. You’re absolutely right too about the instruction of the hands with these advanced to newbies. Even oldbies!😆 To be honest, when l was instructed by my teacher to get the 1st book, l almost died laughing when it said ‘to be completed in an hour’. AHEM! OK 🤣 That was a looong time ago. I figure l’ll choose to play John Cage’s 4’33 live. 😆😳🎹❤️

[@duzonaleeahalessandrag.934]

I just purchased the easiest piano course part one to teach myself what do u think?

[@pianotips2623]

The easiest course is a bit slow for adults but still, you can use it. You should be able to finish the first book in less than a month

[@duzonaleeahalessandrag.934]

@@pianotips2623 I'm actually not an adult yet but a teenager I was wondering if I should just go for the John Thompson First Grade?

[@pianotips2623]

If you've never played piano before just start with the easiest and after that go to the first grade. First grade is better for those who have previous knowledge. It progresses very quickly

[@duzonaleeahalessandrag.934]

@@pianotips2623 alright thank you so much

[@FootyHighlights-i5t]

​@@pianotips2623How about using the easiest piano course part 1,2,3 and 4 as sight reading material?

[@miladyraquel]

👌👍 thanks

[@BRL1611]

Easiest Piano Course 5, 6, 7, and 8 ARE still in print.

[@tronlady1]

Joan thompson 😊

[@forridersofsatan]

The John thompson adult piano course book one, would that be a good start for a new leaner. ( no knowledge, self teaching) Thanks

[@pianotips2623]

it will be hard without any previous knowledge or help. piano adventure or alfred is better for that or my own course which has a video for each lesson

[@radic888]

I know I'm being pedantic, but his name is pronounced Jon, not Joan. The h in John is silent.

[@Persun_McPersonson]

The H in "oh" is silent too, just as the A in "Joan" is silent. The difference isn't whether the H is making a sound, it's if the silent H has a purpose (like the H in "oh" or the A in "Joan" do) or is merely a useless vestigal letter that has to be learned as such by rote.